Laura Kelmere and Pluto
Blind Horse Rider Wins Endurance Event
Saturday 9 October wasn’t just any day for Laura Kelmere. It marked a milestone on her journey of losing her sight. Despite being legally blind, Laura had always wanted to compete in a horse endurance event. When she heard that Distance Riding New Zealand was running an event at Bottle Lake Forest in Christchurch, she decided to go for it and sign up.
Laura has been rapidly losing her sight for the past few years due to retina dystrophy and during that time has maintained a close relationship with her horse, Pluto. She has owned him since he was nine months old and trained him herself when she still had her sight. Even though Laura describes herself as an adrenalin junkie, it was a big step for her to sign up for the 5km distance riding event. She rode with her friend Mariska Lochead, who positioned her horse Gipsy Rose just in front of Laura and Pluto, calling out obstacles like low hanging branches and streams. Laura said, ‘one thing I love about Mariska is that she doesn’t baby me just because I can’t see. She treats me like the capable adult that I am’. Still feeling joyful about her ride, Laura said that, Mariska would just yell out ‘duck right’, ‘duck left’, or ‘you’re about to jump a stream’. With a combination of courage and trust in her team, Laura competently completed the course which started at Brooklands Lagoon and wound its way to Bottle Lake Forest and back. On top of what might seem like a lot of obstacles, Laura also rode her horse the way she taught him – without a saddle or bridle – and in only a halter.
Laura had originally thought the sport was only for serious and competitive riders and was pleasantly surprised at how much she enjoyed her experience. She discovered that recreational riders who just want a fun day out are equally welcomed and encouraged to participate.
On Saturday, Laura decided to be as competitive as she could be, striving to be among the placings. She managed to complete her ride close to the optimal time and her horse had good heart rates, which are checked by a vet and go towards a point system to decide who wins. Laura and Pluto came home with a red ribbon; winners of their class, coupled with a huge sense of pride at having achieved such a milestone. Laura said she is definitely going to ride in another event. We hope to see her again too. Her achievement is testimony to the power of believing in yourself and your horse, and just getting out there and having a go.
Distance Riding New Zealand has more rides scheduled for 2021/22 in the South Island, with ride distances ranging from 5km to 80km, depending on the location. You can find out more information at www.distanceridingnewzealand.co.nz or check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/distanceridingnewzealand
Article added: Tuesday 19 October 2021